Grammar Worksheet

Zero and First Conditionals

A2–B1 if + present simple; if + present simple + will

Explanation

We use the zero conditional for facts and things that are always true: If you heat water to 100°C, it boils.

We use the first conditional for real and possible future situations: If it rains tomorrow, I will stay at home.

In both conditionals, the if clause can come first or second. Use a comma after the if-clause when it comes first.

Form

Zero: both clauses use present simple. Use for facts, habits, and scientific truths.

First: if-clause = present simple; result = will + infinitive. Never use ‘will’ in the if-clause.

Examples

Common Mistakes

If it will rain tomorrow, we will cancel the match. → If it rains tomorrow, we will cancel the match. Never use ‘will’ in the if-clause of a conditional.
If you heat ice, it melted. → If you heat ice, it melts. In the zero conditional, both verbs use the present simple.
She passes the exam if she will study. → She will pass the exam if she studies. First conditional: ‘will’ goes in the result clause, present simple in the if-clause.
If I am tired, I will to sleep early. → If I am tired, I will sleep early. After ‘will’, use the bare infinitive — not ‘to + infinitive’.

Exercises

1 Zero or first?

Complete each sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets. Write Z (zero) or F (first) to show which type it is.

If you _____ (not sleep) enough, you _____ (feel) tired. → don’t sleep / feel (Z)

2 Correct the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Write the correct sentence.

3 Complete the conditional

Complete the second half of each sentence using your own ideas. Use the correct form.

4 Real conditions in your life

Write four first conditional sentences about real possible situations in your own life.

5 Match and join

Match each if-clause (1–4) with the correct result clause (a–d).

a. I will be late. b. you burn yourself. c. you get purple. d. she will get a promotion.

Speaking Activity

Discuss these questions with a partner. Use zero and first conditionals in your answers.

What will you do if it rains this weekend? Give two or three ideas.
What happens to you if you don’t have your morning coffee or tea? (zero conditional)
If you could visit any country next year, where will you go and why?
What will happen if people don’t reduce their use of plastic?

Report your partner’s most interesting answer to the class. Use a first conditional: ‘If … , she/he will …’